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Preventing Crime is about more than locks and security planning. It is about community. That is why our Crime Prevention Program participated in a MLK Day of Service project by reading to toddlers at a local R’Club Daycare Center. Each year, the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program of Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. (RSVP) celebrates the “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service” by conducting a special “Reading Project” in all of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program Centers throughout Pinellas County. Through this project, RSVP and community volunteers read the book “Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King” to three and four year olds, particularly stressing and discussing Dr. King’s timeless themes of non-violence, equality, and peaceful co-existence – values that are important to learn at an early age.

The best part is, following the reading and brief discussion, each child receives a personalized children’s book of their very own – generously donated by numerous local companies, organizations, and friends – in order that they might continue the adventure of reading and learning at home.

Promoting basic literacy is one of the ways crime is reduced in our communities. To find out more about our programs and opportunities for service, call the Pinellas County Urban League at (727) 327-2081.

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, the BOB Task Force met to spread holiday joy by presenting a holiday gift basket and donating canned goods to a local charity. Members of the group contributed to the creation of a holiday meal basket as a gift for Mrs. Kathlean S., a local resident experiencing financial hardship during this holiday season. Kathlean’s holiday plans were drastically changed when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. His recent chemotherapy sessions have left him unable to create the holiday environment their family treasures. The Task Force stepped in to provide the fixings and trimmings for a holiday meal and more. Kathlean expressed her gratitude for the gift basket and the work performed by the Task Force.

“It’s great that you are working to make our neighborhoods safer. Crime prevention really begins in the home, but sometimes families need help to stay straight”, said Kathlean. “It’s nice to know that some body cares enough to help.”

Following the presentation, canned goods collected by the Task Force were donated to the Dream Center of Saint Petersburg for distribution to needy families. Mr. King Best, a Dream Center program manager, welcomed the donation and expressed an interest in further participating in activities produced by the Task Force. “You show that you like to get things done. This food will go a long way towards helping the community. People just don’t realize how many hungry people we have in Saint Petersburg,” said Best. Indeed, the more than 200 items offered included meats, stews and entrees that are the center piece for a meal.

Randy Lewis, Chair of the Task Force, said ” Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to just talk about helping. I need to see that something is being done. If you know that LOVE is an action verb, then you can’t spend your time just talking about how much you love your community.” The Task Force demonstrated their love on this day and on many others.

If you are interested in learning more about the Task Force and its activities, please call the League at 727.327.2081 x 119 or send an e-mail to madekunle@pcul.org. For more information about the Pinellas County Urban League, visit www.pcul.org.

A labeling work session was conducted to put mailing labels on solicitation pieces to donors/sponsors and participants of the Pinellas County Urban League’s 28th Annual Crime Prevention Run & Family Festival. This task allowed all participants to get involved in the behind the scenes preparation for the event and to spend time brainstorming through ideas for improving life in St. Petersburg and beyondt. Task Force members labeled over 600 pieces for distribution, and recipients are responding by registering for the event.

To learn more about the Task Force, call Michael Adekunle at (727) 327-2081 extension 119, or send him an e-mail at madekunle@pcul.org.

It is true. Actively engaged parents produce children who are better prepared for life. Their children often turn out healthier, happier, smarter and more able to navigate the challenges of life. People with character don’t victimize others.

Join us as we support parents who engage with their children to make them better students. For more information, call Pastor Martin Rainey, President, Parent support for Education Council, Inc. (727) 420-1326.

According to Witness Justice, first, make sure to address any physical injuries and get to a safe place. Then phone 911 (or ask someone else to do it) and, while you’re waiting for the police to arrive, try to write down as many details of the crime and your attacker as possible — especially details of his or her physical characteristics and face, clothing, voice, and any unique physical markings or tattoos. Although this can be upsetting, it is during the time immediately following the incident that you will most likely be able to recall the greatest number of details with the greatest degree of clarity. These details will assist you when providing a statement to the police and could be essential in apprehending and successfully prosecuting your assailant. When the police arrive, they will investigate, collect evidence, and obtain your statement. If the police are meeting you at the scene of the crime, try not to touch or move anything, because doing so may compromise the integrity of the crime scene. When giving your statement, consider having a family member or friend present – not only for emotional support, but also to help validate or corroborate your statement. Following a violent experience, your mind may be racing and your emotions running high, and having someone you trust there with you can help.

The First 24 Hours following a violent encounter can be extremely difficult. You are at the initial stage of what may be a life-altering experience that can affect you in fundamental and unforeseen ways. You are probably, and understandably, overwhelmed. Try to remember that it can take a while for the full extent of the physical and emotional impacts to set in, so consider getting support mechanisms in place (friends, family, counselors, doctors, etc.) as soon as possible. Try to be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to work through the healing process. It is not an easy road to travel, but there is hope, help, and healing ahead.

Join the fight to prevent crime in our communities by joining The Pinellas County Urban League’s Crime Prevention Task Force. For more information, call Michael Adekunle at (727) 327-2081 extension 119, or inquire by e-mail to madekunle@pcul.org.

Each year, in the month of May, The Pinellas County Urban League provides a group of students from Pinellas County Schools the opportunity to participate in The Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference. This international conference rotates between Florida metropolitan areas, allowing students to visit new cities and experience life as a guest in an upscale, corporate environment. teachable moments abound from simply being present, however, the conference subjects are conversation starters as well.

This year, the conference was held in Tampa, Florida and The Pinellas County Urban League’s Black-on-Black Crime Prevention Program gave the opportunity to attend to students from Gibbs High School, Northeast High School and Bay Point Middle School. Yes, lectures, panel discussions, open forums and working lunches were in order. Still there was time for relaxing at or in the pool, working out in the weight room, evening socials and networking. Our youth were surprised at both the amount of work and fun they had during their time away from home.

We expect to select attendees for the May 2013 Conference in Orlando, Florida from our roster of NULITES participants. Not familiar with NULITES? You should be, and it is easy to learn more. Just call Mike Boykins at (727) 327-2081 extension 120 for more details. Join us in Orlando for a great time!

The Pinellas County Urban League, through its Black-on-Black Crime Prevention Program, attended the Childs Park YMCA Talent Showcase. This event marked the end of the 2012 Summer Program hosted by the YMCA. Many community activist, parents, friends and supporters gathered at the YMCA activity room to cheer on the children for their efforts in reading, dance, drumming, art and more.

As a community partner, The BOBCPP encourages you to get involved with our children, encourage their positive growth and development, and speak words of kindness and love into their lives. They are our light and future. Let us treat them as such.

For more information about how you can make a change by Empowering Communities Changing Lives, call 727.327.2081 extension 119.